Over the past two years, Chris, Service Dog Charlie, and I have stayed at dozens of campgrounds across the county. Some are better than others. Some have features for kids. Some are just OK. Whenever we camp, it’s a better day. But rarely do you find gold as we did on the Shenandoah River. We didn’t panhandle or pick it up on the shore next to the lazy river that rolls some 55 miles through the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia and West Virginia. Just south of Front Royal, Va., we crossed the Shenandoah near a sign that said, “Do not cross bridge when flooded.” Following the winding road along the river, we found it–A single nugget discovered on the backroad in the form of Low Water Bridge Campground.
In visiting with owners Kendra and Alan Munson, I described their rustic campground on the Shenandoah as a rare gold nugget and they said that is how many of their campers describe their little oasis by the river. Low Water Bridge Campground was established in 1997 by Alan’s parents, Page and Christy. Before that, it was family-owned farmland owned since the 1950s. Alan bought it independently in 2015 and it was run by himself and their children until 2023. In the late 90’s they had five sites with electricity and many tent sites along the river. It has since seen many expansions and improvements. The Munson family worked hard to keep the campground through a bit of adversity and pressure from land developers. Today, they are full-time hosts to those who want a real camping experience along the scenic river.
Fact is, Low Water Bridge Campground is for real campers who want to enjoy the beauty of the Shenandoah River and its surrounding hiking trails and wonderous mountains along the famous Skyline Drive. It’s not for those who just want to be parked in a luxurious glamping atmosphere. We love the remote serenity of the river gently flowing by our camp. It is amazing to wake up and see the sun peaking over the ridge and shining brilliantly on the water. Within eight miles are the Shenandoah National Park and the Shenandoah River State Park where there is plenty of nature and hiking, as well as the breathtaking Skyline Drive. There is also tubing and canoeing available.
When we go camping, it is usually a “workcation.” I’m on-call 24-7, especially during football season. Learning how to be “present” and relax always has been difficult for me. We stayed at Low Water Bridge Campground twice this year, and I would have to say that these have been the most relaxing times we have spent on the road, even including our beloved times at the many beaches we visit. The Good Book says there are things more precious than gold, and this may be one of them. Chris has found the peace and inspiration to paint the river. I’ve found relaxation. Service Dog Charlie has found a lot of trees. And we are all glad we found this jewel on the river. It’s a reflection of America carved out of the wilderness by industrious hands and the dedication of a family to preserve it going into its third generation.
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